€4.9m for new Gorey sports complex

By Dan Walsh

Funding of €4.9 million has been allocated under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media for the first phase development of a new sports complex at the former St. Waleran’s Demesne site to the north of Gorey.

Wexford County Council is ‘match’ funding the project which will have a total budget of around €10 million.

CLLR OLIVER WALSH welcomes funding for new sports hub at St. Waleran’s, Gorey.

Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Oliver Walsh said it is great to see the efforts of the partner clubs and officials rewarded in this way. “€10 million is a significant investment in sports and activities in the county and I am proud that Wexford County Council has undertaken to provide funding to the project. The initiative forms part of the St Waleran’s Masterplan which will provide a new neighbourhood in Gorey with housing, community, and sports facilities,” concluded Cllr Walsh.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr. Pip Breen said; “This is wonderful news, I was chair of the steering group and want to commend the clubs where I witnessed first-hand the hard work that was put into the planning, design, and funding application for this project.  This will be a game changer not just for Gorey but the entire East Coast.”

The first phase of the new sports and activities hub will provide facilities for minority sports including hockey, cricket, and athletics, with new playing fields and looped walking tracks throughout. Phase 2 will include facilities to cater for cycling and basketball with a new indoor community sports building.  

Full planning permission has been approved earlier this year for the entire project with architects Ailtiri. Wexford County Council established a steering group two years ago with membership comprising representatives from Gorey Hockey Club, Croghan Athletics Club, Gorey Cricket Club, Gorey Cycling Club, Gorey Basketball Club in addition to council officials and Dr. Yvonne Byrne.

Wexford success at Pride of Place awards

Mayor of Wexford Cllr George Lawlor congratulates The Rocks Community Group category winner in the Urban Neighbourhood Community Awards at the Pride of Place awards ceremony in Monaghan last Saturday night.

By Dan Walsh

The Rocks Community Area consisting of Maudlintown and surrounding areas in Wexford Town took first place in the Urban Neighbourhood category at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards held at a gala ceremony in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan, last Saturday night.

Fethard-on-Sea Community Development Association took runner-up in the population 1000-2000 category, with judges noting they are a vibrant coastal community with commitment to the place where they live.   

The judges particularly impressed with the strong partnerships and inclusivity of the area and their close working relation with Wexford Local Authority.

Cllr Garry Laffan said; “I was delighted to be at the awards ceremony and celebrate the winning community groups achievements. It is a real mark of success for any community group to be recognised at national level and I want to wholeheartedly congratulate both groups on their many years of positive community activity.”

Director of Services Carolyne Godkin said; “I have had the pleasure of working with both of these impressive communities over many years.  It is wonderful to see the positive impact on their areas recognised through the Pride of Place awards.  Each year this competition pitches the best communities on the whole island of Ireland against each other, with a judging panel visiting each of the shortlisted communities to see first-hand if they are truly delivering what they say they are.   

“Both Fethard-on-Sea and the Rocks area made a very positive impression on the judges resulting in these awards and I have no doubt they will continue to deliver good things for their areas, supported not only by Wexford County Council but also by local business, the wider community and other government agencies,” concluded Ms. Godkin.

Doubles for Bowe, O’Neill and Stone

Celebrating success at Knockmullen House point-to-point were (left to right); Richard Eustace (owner), Barry Stone (rider), Sage Green (winning horse), Shane Roche (handler) and Susan Eustace (breeder). (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Knockmullen House, New Ross

Pleasant conditions prevailed at Wexford Foxhounds point-to-point at Knockmullen House, New Ross, this afternoon where the highlights were a double each for handler Colin Bowe and riders Barry O’Neill and Barry Stone.

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill struck winning form in the 10-runner opening maiden race for four-year-old mares with Delta Blues Belle by two and a half lengths and the grey mare by Walk In The Park by two and a half lengths.

English owner Rebecca Surman has enjoyed success with her horses handled by Colin Bowe and she was present and delighted at Knockmullen House when she welcomed home another winner in her colours – Fiddledee completing a double for Barry O’Neill by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for mares aged five-years-old and upwards.

Barry Stone also rode a double. He was aboard the home-bred Sage Green for Susan and Richard Eustace, Barntown, who had three and a half lengths to spare at the finish of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. This was the second winner in a week for promising handler Shane Roche, Cleariestown, who is in his first season training.

Half an hour later and Stone recorded winner number two! He was aboard Inbeforered in the Laura Scallan colours and scored by six lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. “I own half of him with Michael ‘Mustard’ O’Brien,” (who was present and enjoying the celebrations), said Cleariestown handler Mark Scallan who was saddling his first winner of the new season.

Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, saddled the Winner of One race, Manlikemike who scored by eight lengths for rider Jack Hendrick.

And the final race of the day, the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards confined to novice riders went to Co. Carlow and a 20 lengths victory for The Last Minute handled by William Murphy, Ballycurragh Stud, Rathoe, and ridden by Patrick Gleeson.

There was also point-to-point action today at Dromahane, Co. Cork, and success for newcomer Walk The Talk by nine lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old mares in the colours of the Baltimore Stables Syndicate for handler Ellen Doyle, Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy. Brian Dunleavy was the successful rider.

Rob James also got on the scoreboard at the Cork track. He partnered newcomer Affinity Rock for Meath handler Cian Collins in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.

Seeking applications from Wexford sports clubs

Former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan has launched the 2025 Texaco Support for Sport funding initiative. The scheme is now open to sports clubs in Co. Wexford and across Ireland with a fund of €130,000 to be distributed on a county-by-county basis.

By Dan Walsh

Applications from sports clubs in Co. Wexford and beyond are now being invited under the fifth Texaco Support for Sport initiative in which a fund of €130,000 will be divided in €5,000 amounts and distributed to successful applicants in each of the twenty-six counties.

Leading the adjudication process once again is Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan. Clubs that received funding to date span the spectrum of Irish sporting activity – archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowls, boxing, camogie, climbing, cricket, diving, Gaelic football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, hurling, kayaking, rowing, rugby, soccer, squash and tennis amongst them.

Over the past four years, a gross figure of over €500,000 has been distributed to a variety of more than 100 sports clubs across Ireland, of which €5,000 each went to four successful Co. Wexford clubs: Kilmore United FC (2021), Menapians Athletic Club (2022), Aspire Gymnastics Academy, Kiltealy (2023) and Naomh Éanna GAA Club (2024).

Open to all sports clubs irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender (including clubs that may have been unsuccessful in their application previously), the initiative is one that ‘recognises and supports the valuable contribution that sports clubs make to communities and throughout Irish society’.

Following lines similar to that which proved successful over the past four years, clubs wishing to apply should first register their interest on www.TexacoSupportforSport.com, followed, before closing date, by a completed application that should include details of their sporting activity, the importance of the club in their local community, the purpose for which the funding is sought, and the use to which the funds will be put.

A sole qualifying requirement is that clubs must be properly constituted and hold a valid GS Exemption Number (Games and Sports Exemption Number) that features on the list published by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners on June 30th 2024.

Closing date for applications is January 31st 2025 with adjudication taking place thereafter. 

Woman (29) missing from Wexford town

UPDATE; Monday, November 11th; Ann Lambe Murphy / Murray, 29 years old, who was reported missing since Thursday, November 7th, 2024, has been located safely.

No further media action is required. An Garda Síochána would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance.

Gardaí in Wexford are appealing to the public for assistance in locating a 29-year-old woman who has been missing since last Thursday.

ANN LAMBE MURPHY/MURRAY

Ann Lambe Murphy/Murray is described as being approximately 5’4″ tall with medium-length brown hair and blue eyes.

Last seen in Wexford town, she was wearing a dark grey fleece jacket, light grey tracksuit bottoms and black-framed glasses.

Gardaí say they and Ann’s family are concerned for her safety.

Anyone with information on Ann’s whereabouts is urged to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Good outlook for Sunday racing at New Ross

By Dan Walsh

A strong entry of 90 has been received for the Wexford Foxhounds point-to-point races at Knockmullen House, New Ross, tomorrow (Sunday). The first race starts at 12.30pm.

Reports from the track say that “the track is in very good condition”, the ground is described as “yielding, good to yielding in places”, the forecast expects “a light drizzle or a light shower” between now and Sunday.

Clerk of the Course Padraig English said “everything is in place for a good day’s racing and we are looking forward to a good sized crowd.”

Today’s (Saturday) point-to-point action was at Quakerstown, Co. Clare where Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill had reason to celebrate after Suburban Legend recorded a nine lengths success in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

BENNY WALSH had a winner as a handler today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

There was a second Wexford success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings when Hickey’s Hill, running in the colours of Jenny Walsh, and handled by Benny Walsh at Tomhaggard, gained a four lengths victory with Barry Stone up. Incidentally, this was Walsh’s 20th career success in his 10 years as a handler, however, he was very successful as a rider and for several season’s combined riding and handling simultaneously.

Hickey’s Hill was secured at Denis Hickey’s Garryrichard Stud, Foulksmills, and the Hickeys were celebrating a success on the racecourse at Gowran Park today when Sonny May (4/1 fav.) prevailed in the novice handicap hurdle and ridden by Sean O’Keeffe, Harveystown, Taghmon.

In other news this week joint-national point-to-point champion riders’ Barry O’Neill and Rob James have been nominated in the  point-to-point category of the HRI (Horse Racing Ireland) awards.

Shop Local Gift Card gone live in Co. Wexford

Pictured outside Smyths Enniscorthy are Dermot and Betty Kavanagh, Jack Kavanagh, and Joe Curran with Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber. (Pic; County Wexford Chamber).

By Dan Walsh

Backed by County Wexford Chamber, the new County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card is a single gift card for the four districts of County Wexford – Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross, and Wexford Town.

Businesses in County Wexford say the new gift card has benefits over the previous paper vouchers, including ease of use, enhanced value for employee rewards, and increased support for local businesses. 

Over 150 businesses in County Wexford accept the new gift card, including retail, hospitality, leisure, health and beauty, and services. Both physical and digital e-card versions are available. Retail businesses accepting the card include boutiques, galleries, butchers, pharmacies, garden centres and department stores.

Betty Kavanagh said the new gift card offers ease and choice for recipients. “Smyths Homevalue is based in the centre of Enniscorthy and has grown over the years from the hardware store started by Dermot’s dad in 1979 to our store of today with a diverse product range including homeware, lighting, a garden shop and seasonal items. We’ve always been a part of the Shop Local vouchers, and I think the new County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card will bring huge benefits for businesses, consumers and organisations alike.

“As a local business, we depend on local trade and the County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card will encourage ‘shop local’ and keep money in County Wexford. The technology aspect of the new gift card is important because as a county, we must move with the times. The ease of the gift card and the range of businesses it can be spent with makes the card ideal for all kinds of occasions and uses. The vouchers were bulky, but you can easily keep the gift card in your wallet – physical or digital.”

Paula Roche, CEO at County Wexford Chamber, told WexfordLocal.com; “Our mission at the Chamber is promoting local businesses, encouraging and supporting all sectors, so we can drive footfall and spend. The County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card takes the shop local sentiment we’ve built with the paper vouchers to the next level and will be particularly useful for staff rewards and incentives.”

“There is a real sense of community in County Wexford and a friendly vibe that draws people here to enjoy our amazing tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and shops,” added Ms. Roche.

The County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card encapsulates the whole of County Wexford in a single gift card so not only can we keep spend in Wexford, but we can also bring even more people to Wexford to experience all we have to offer.”

The card is eligible to be used with the Irish Revenue’s Small Benefit Exemption Scheme which allows organisations to gift employees up to two small non-cash benefits each year up to a value of €1,000, increasing to €1,500 in January 2025. 

They’re off for the 2024 General Election!

By Dan Walsh

It’s official! Taoiseach Simon Harris was in Áras an Uachtaráin today with President Michael D. Higgins for the dissolution of the 33rd Dáil and polling day is confirmed for Friday, November 29th.

Tonight, social media is coming alive with candidates seeking the votes and ladders are in keen demand as hundreds of election posters pop up on poles and vantage points in our towns and villages.

Earlier today an enormous banner was erected on the eastern side of Wexford bridge proclaiming the good name of Mayor of Wexford and Labour Party candidate George Lawlor. The centre at the Maldron Roundabout is almost congested with posters. And in my neighbourhood in Enniscorthy Minister James Browne is smiling down!

CLLR JACKSER OWENS to contest General Election 2024 (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

In other election news today, Enniscorthy-based Cllr Jackser Owens declared his intention to run as an Independent candidate in the 4-seat Wexford constituency.

Also today, Castletown-based Green Party candidate Ann Walsh announced her intention to contest the election in the new 3-seat Wicklow-Wexford constituency.

Nominations for contesting the 2024 General Election close next Saturday, November 16th so there maybe a few new names added by then.

ANN WALSH Green Party candidate in Wicklow-Wexford constituency.

The 34th Dáil will be the largest in the history of the State with 14 extra seats – up from 160 to 174- and the number of constituencies have increased by four from 39 to 43 and that includes a ‘divide’ that runs north of Enniscorthy creating the 4-seat Wexford constituency and the new 3-seat Wicklow-Wexford constituency.

This new constituency comprises of 41 electoral districts with a population of 49,743 from north Wexford and 31 electoral districts with a population of 35,708 from south Wicklow. The Wicklow-Wexford constituency has a population of 85,451.

Brendan and Paul bid farewell to the Dáil

By Dan Walsh

Long serving Wexford Oireachtas members Brendan Howlin TD and Paul Kehoe TD have spent their last hours in Leinster House and will cease their careers as parliamentarians when the 33rd Dail is dissolved today (Friday) and the way is officially opened for the General Election on Friday, November 29th.

Both deputies, Brendan Howlin who has served 42 years in public life and Paul Kehoe, with 22 years’ service to his credit, announced to their parties and made public their intention not to contest the next General Election.

It is the end of an era and WexfordLocal.com feel it is fitting to acknowledge the long and dedicated public representation on behalf of the people of Wexford over such a long period and to wish both a long and healthy retirement. We pay tribute by way of short biographies focussing on their political life!   

DEPUTY PAUL KEHOE

Paul Kehoe comes from a farming background in Bree and was first elected to Dáil Éireann on a Fine Gael ticket succeeding Ivan Yates in May 2002.

He served as Minister with Responsibility for Defence from May 2016 to June 2020. Paul previously served as the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence.

He was appointed Fine Gael Chief Whip in October 2004, a position he held in opposition until March 2011 when he was appointed Government Chief Whip by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD. In this role he has introduced a significant amount of Dáil Reform, which has enhanced the way the Oireachtas does its business, a huge increase in Dáil sitting days, the introduction of Friday sittings and Topical Issues Debates.

DEPUTY BRENDAN HOWLIN

Brendan Howlin was born in William Street in Wexford town, the son of John and Molly Howlin (née Dunbar). His father was a trade union official who served as secretary of the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union in Wexford for 40 years, served 18 years as a Labour member of Wexford Corporation and was election agent for the former Leader of the Labour Party and Tánaiste, Brendan Corish TD.

He first contested the 1982 General Election as a Labour candidate in the Wexford Constituency, but failed to get elected, however, when the Fine Gael-Labour coalition came to power he was nominated by the Taoiseach Garrett Fitzgerald to serve in Seanad Éireann. He was a Senator (1983-’87), member of Wexford County Council in 1985, Mayor of Wexford in 1986, and a TD for Wexford constituency since 1987.He has many other accolades to his credit including Leader of the Labour Party (2016-’20), Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (2011-’16), Leas Cheann Comhairle (2007-’11), Deputy Leader of the Labour Party (1997-2002), Minister for the Environment (1994-’97), and Minister for Health (1993-’94

Boundary nightmare facing voters in General Election?

Historic Ferns and the wider community will be required to cast their votes in the forthcoming General Election in the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Special Report by Dan Walsh

As forecast with applaudable precision by WexfordLocal.com last week the date for polling in the General Election will be Friday, November 29th. Speaking on RTE’s Six-One News this evening Taoiseach Simon Harris TD announced that the 33rd Dáil will be officially dissolved on Friday afternoon after the Taoiseach travels to Áras an Uachtaráin to meet with President Michael D. Higgins.

Already several candidates have declared their intention to fight for a seat in the new 3-seat Wicklow-Wexford constituency and there may be a few more names on the ticket when nominations close!

Big names such as Senator Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fáil), Brian Brennan (Fine Gael) and Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain (Sinn Féin) are canvassing in both counties while Cllr Pat Kennedy (Fianna Fáil) from Arklow enjoyed a day knocking on doors in Kilmuckridge district last week!

And another piece of news! WexfordLocal.com is reliably informed that the Count Centre for the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency will be Kilanerin Community Centre.

But the greatest nightmare is likely to be along the new boundary that divides the county at Scarawalsh roundabout where thousands of voters will be faced with being unable to support candidates or party representatives that have been part of their community since the foundation of the State!

There will be a scramble in the coming days and weeks as the electorate inform themselves of their electoral areas and location of polling booths.

And after the election some elected members of Wexford County Council will find themselves outside of the Wexford constituency while seeking funding and support for development and investment in the so-called north Wexford region.

Interesting days ahead! As for the three elected in South Wicklow – North Wexford and the four elected in the Wexford constituency and occupying seats in Leinster House, or the near-miss heroes who gain passage to Seanad Éireann, their worries won’t unduly impact on their lifestyle!   

The Electoral Commission Constituency Review Report 2023, recommended the formation of a new 3-seat constituency called Wicklow-Wexford.

This constituency should comprise 41 electoral districts with a population of 49,743 from north Wexford and 31 electoral districts with a population of 35,708 from south Wicklow. The Wicklow-Wexford constituency would have a population of 85,451.

To facilitate the new constituency of Wicklow-Wexford it was decided to reduce the two 5-seat constituencies of Wicklow and Wexford by one seat each and added an additional seat to create this new 3-seat constituency.

Three constituencies are now contained in the counties of Wexford and Wicklow and will be operable for the next General Election. The new boundary between the Wexford constituency and the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency will follow the north electoral divisions to include north of Kilmuckridge, Wells, Monageer, Ballycarney, Castledockrell, Ballindaggin, Rossard and Bunclody. Several parish communities will be divided for election purposes.